New
#47216 - 02/29/04 03:56 PM
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Hi, how are you all, I'm Samantha a newbie, I've had on and off IBS pains for 2 years, the end of last yr it got serious went to the Doc, did horrible tests  and got told I have IBS. Yeah so thats my story in short.
I have some questions though since my Doctor said don't worry it's nothing and in't tell me anything about how to eat so reading the articles here helped alot.
For my question 
1)I'm thinking about buying the books can you guys tell me if the whole fiber plan worked for you?
2) When you say you've had IBS for a certain number of years do you mean countiuously? Or on and off? So far I've had bloating from it for 3 months, I feel disgusted with myself, will it ever go away?...
Thanks, 
Samantha
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Re: New
#47218 - 02/29/04 04:04 PM
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Debby
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 460
Loc: Cleveland, Ohio
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Welcome Samantha, I have read lots of IBS books and have found Heather's to be the best yet. I learned so much about how to eat and when to eat. And I have found that I'm not alone and there are many many other people out there with the same problems. I stumbled upon Heather's books at the library then I found this website. There's tons of info on here as well and it's a lot to read and learn but it's so worth it to feel better. I also started taking the Acacia fiber as a supplement and have found it to be great with only minor side affect of some bloating when I first started taking it. But now I am off of my daily dose of Immodium and just using the Acacia to balance out my stomach problems. I've just learned not to be afraid of fiber and once you learn about Insoluble and Soluble you'll be in pretty good shape! 
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Hi Sam
I've had IBS for 30 years. But that doesn't mean I've been "suffering" for 30 years. For me, IBS kind of ebbs and flows. There are times that I barely think about it, and there are times (like right now) where I have to think about it a lot in order to get it manageable again.
I would have to say that this site and Heather's books are among the best out there.
janet
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Congratulations on finding this terrific source for help and support! I got a lot better when I came on board; I know you will too.
Heather's books are invaluable; you really need them, especially "The First Year." "Eating for IBS" is mainly a cookbook. If you can't afford to buy both books right away, try our recipes in the recipe board here; they're also very good, very delicious, and a lot of fun to experiment with.
As for your second question, I'd have to say that I've had IBS for about 30 years, but I didn't get a confirmed diagnosis until just a few years ago. It's been continuous for me, but I never got better until I got Heather's books, followed the program religiously, came on board here and got help, and did the hypnosis program.
I'm not sure what you mean by "whole fiber plan." We take a soluble fiber supplement, if that's what you mean; it's important to get enough every day, so you should check out Heather's advice in here for guidance on how to slowly add it into your diet. Her acacia is great stuff; a lot of us take it. You should do a search in here for different kinds of soluble fiber.
There's no reason for you to "feel disgusted with [your]self." You didn't do anything; you didn't ask for this, it just happened to you. The bloating is a necessary evil, unfortunately, and it's common to just about all of us. You're not alone, Girlfriend!
Lastly, you asked, "will it ever go away?" Wow, that's a wish we all have. You know there is no cure for IBS, right? Personally -- and this is just ME -- I believe it will go away. I'm just now learning about the power of the mind; making this go away is a challenge I've taken on.
Keep thinking positively, and I'll talk to you again soon,
Bev.
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<img src="http://home.comcast.net/~letsrow/smily3481.gif">Bevvy
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Re: New
#47243 - 02/29/04 05:52 PM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Hi there and welcome!
Definitly get Heather's books, esp. First Year. They are more help that I've gotten from anything else for my IBS.
Soluble fibre REALLY works. And I've been taking Fybogel, which is known for causing bloating, so think what Acacia could do for you (I'm currently waiting for my first shipment!).
I've had IBS for 2 years now and though that has been pretty constant, I have good times. Soluble fibre and Immodium mean that I can get on with my life. Although IBS is a lifelong thing, I'm pretty sure that we can get to the point where we don't think about it all the time and can enjoy life despite it.
Keep posting.
Linz
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Welcome! Sorry that you've been having a rough time. Yes, I would definitely recommend you buying Heather's books - they are a lifesaver for me and I love them. If you want to think about it - there's TONS of information on this website to get you "up and running". All of the dietary guidelines are here. They speak for themselves - they WORK. The whole soluble insoluble fiber deal is the first logical approach to IBS I've ever come across. All my GI told me was to "eat more fiber - maybe it'll help" and shooed me out the door.
As for continuous - for some I think it does. Mine kind of goes through little cycles where I'm super sensitive and then not nearly as bad. What I have noticed since I've been on this diet is that I'm almost symptom free - which really makes a big difference.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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Re: New
#47389 - 03/01/04 07:51 PM
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Gerry10
Reged: 10/15/03
Posts: 450
Loc: Las Vegas,Nev.
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Hi Samantha.welcome.
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Neta G.Yale
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Re: New
#47414 - 03/02/04 06:12 AM
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MissS
Reged: 02/11/04
Posts: 837
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Hi Samantha!
I just want to welcome you to this site. I'm pretty new here, too. I've learned so much and the people here are very, very, nice and helpful. Don't be afraid to ask anything at all. I'm finding that you can talk about anything here! Everyone has been there! Heather's diet really works. It's great and has been a real miracle for me. She gives us the tools to try to control our IBS, instead of the IBS controlling us. That's not to say there aren't up and down days, but even so, I have her basic advice to help me out. Plus, with the help of everyone here, you don't have to face this alone!
Welcome,
Terri
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Hi, Samantha,
I'm glad you found Heather's books and this site. I see you've gotten lots of feedback. Hope that's convinced you to try the plan. I've had IBS for about 4 or 5 years, but didn't get diagnosed 'til it got really bad about a year ago.
I've noticed a great improvement by focusing on soluble fiber as the basis of my diet. Heather's books are great. I have both, but got Eating for IBS first. I started the diet based on what I read in that book. IT's a lifesaver!
As for the boards, I kinda lurked for about 6 months, but am fairly new myself as a poster. Everyone's great! Make yourself at home!
I hope you'll find some relief if you start following Heather's plans, and I believe you will. IBS may not go away, but you can make it virtually go away by controlling the symptoms.
Good luck!
--------------------
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Re: New
#47503 - 03/02/04 11:51 AM
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LauraSue
Reged: 01/14/04
Posts: 4812
Loc: New York City
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Welcome from me too! This site is terrific and full of terrific people. Keep coming back!
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Laura
Keep it simple!
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Re: New
#47550 - 03/02/04 01:09 PM
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zingirl
Reged: 01/03/04
Posts: 31
Loc: Northern CA
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Hi Samantha, I'm new too. I also suffer from bloating. It's really the big pits. I wish I had more insite for you, or could offer you more advice. You can always send me an email if you like, or just want to talk or ask any questions. My email is cmgoard@hotmail.com
Feel free to ask away. I'll try the best to tell you what I know and have experienced so far. I really haven't found a way to work out the bloating yet. I guess yoga is supposed to really help. I do try alot of the poses, but in all honesty, it hasn't done much yet, it may take more time and practice.
Take care,
zingirl
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Re: New
#47562 - 03/02/04 01:44 PM
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tierny
Reged: 05/19/03
Posts: 98
Loc: Iowa
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Hi Samantha,
I'm with the others........Heather's First Year Book is an absolute must. Get it as soon as you can and read it from cover to cover and then read it again and again. It's sits by my bedside now (I've read it several times) and I still go to it for quick references. The fiber regiment is a must also. I take Clear Mix Citrucel, but there's lots of things out there. Heather's Acacia, Fibercon, Metamucil, and it's really a trial and error for you personally which one will work the best for you. Just be sure to start with a small dose and gradually work up the dosage. Otherwise, it's way too hard on your body, especially starting out completely new with it. This site is also an invaluable place for information. Check in as often as you can, do searches, and ask questions. The bloating is, unfortunately, a big part of IBS. I've had IBS-C for 20 years and still have the bloating. I personally can't seem to find anything to get rid of it. It definitely is a Fact of life for me. Although I've had IBS for 20 years, I've had good spells and bad spells. I can go for a long time without an episode---especially now on Heather's Diet and following her advice. You can get your symptoms under control and live a very "normal" lifestyle with help. Don't feel disgusted with yourself! As Bevrs said, it's not something you asked for. Just the Luck of the Draw that you were saddled with this--as we all were. It's not a fun thing to have, but it's better than having many other things! You can get this under Control, Samantha. And, when you do, I think you'll be surprised at how you'll feel! Hang in there, visit this site often, get Heather's book, and learn all you can about IBS. Knowledge is power!
Take care!
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